ALBANY – New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo made an impassioned plea for instituting the toughest assault weapons ban in the nation, noting that "no one hunts with an assault rifle."

New York has an existing assault weapons ban, but Cuomo and Democrats in the Assembly want to tighten the ban on all assault weapons and high-capacity ammunition magazines. The governor assured hunters that the ban would not harm their sport and it's time to "end the madness now."

"No one needs 10 bullets to kill a deer," Cuomo said.

In his 80-minute State of the State address Wednesday, Cuomo also proposed raising the minimum wage to $8.75 an hour from the current $7.25. He said New Yorkers at the low end of the income ladder should earn more.

The increase is supported by powerful Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, a Manhattan Democrat. Republicans who control the Senate prefer business tax breaks to spur the economy. A person earning minimum wage in New York makes $14,616 a year.

Cuomo notes the minimum wage in 19 states, including neighbors in Connecticut, Vermont, and Massachusetts, is higher than New York.

Cuomo also called for opening three casinos in upstate New York and none in New York City.

The state Legislature is expected this year to consider final passage of an amendment to the state constitution that would allow up to seven Las Vegas-style casinos beyond Indian land. If approved by lawmakers, voters could make a final decision on the amendment in November.

Cuomo, in his State of the State message Wednesday, said he would propose a “phase one” plan focusing on three upstate casinos. The governor said he wants to bring visitors from downstate and other states to upstate areas.

A gaming commission would pick the best locations and revenues would be split 90 percent for education and 10 percent for property tax relief.

Cuomo also laid out plans to prepare for storms like Hurricane Sandy, noting that climate change is real and that "100-year floods are happening every two years."

He also blasted House Republicans for delaying aid to New York state. Congress last week passed a $9.7 billion bill for flood insurance claims from Hurricane Sandy, but Cuomo and New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie say that's not enough.

"Do not play politics with the state of New York," Cuomo warned.

Cuomo also called for changes to schools to improve student performance, including giving districts the option for longer school days and academic years.